After his standout performance with Team USA at the Paris Olympics, Devin Booker has been taking some well-deserved time off. Following the games, Booker and Kevin Durant headed to the beaches of Europe for a relaxing break. Since returning to Arizona, Booker has been enjoying his time away from basketball.
Although he’s not currently involved in any new projects, he has shared an engaging video documenting his experiences with the national team that fans should definitely check out.
Recently, Booker reconnected with a former teammate, Cameron Payne, who visited Arizona. Payne, known for his role in the Suns’ NBA Finals run in 2021, remains a notable figure among fans due to his impactful contributions during that period. Despite his mixed reception, with some fans praising his performance and others critiquing his shortcomings, Payne’s time in Phoenix was memorable.
While some fans appreciated Payne’s role as a capable backup point guard and clutch shooter in the playoffs, there were criticisms about his departure from the team. Last season, Payne split his time between the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, and for the upcoming season, he will join the New York Knicks. This move represents a significant shift in his career as he seeks to prove his value with a new team.
For Booker, the chance of reuniting with Payne in Phoenix appears unlikely. The Suns have made notable upgrades to their roster, including the acquisition of Tyus Jones, who is seen as a superior addition.
The team also brought in Monte Morris, which could be considered an improvement over Payne for the upcoming season. Despite Payne’s solid statistics during his time with the Suns, including averaging over 10 points and 4.5 assists in several seasons, the franchise seems to have moved on.
While Booker and Payne’s friendship remains strong, Payne’s career has taken a different path, and his time with the Suns is now a part of the past. The Suns have had a successful offseason and made strategic changes to their roster. As Payne joins the Knicks, the Suns are focused on their new additions and preparing for the upcoming season.
